Robert’s eyes shifted wildly, spittle flying from his mouth. “You’re insane! All of you! I was set up! Can’t you see that?” Jonathan caught the crazed desperation in his gaze right before he grabbed Fanny around the waist and dragged her to him. Robert withdrew a knife from the back of his trousers and held it to her throat. “I won’t take the blame for something I didn’t do!”
Jonathan clenched his jaw, but he knew he had to remain calm, or Fanny’s life could be in true danger. “You’re only making it worse on yourself. Let her go and perhaps kidnapping won’t be added to your growing list of indiscretions.”
Robert gave a rather maniacal laugh. “You’d like that wouldn’t you, Lord Castleford. To be able to boast about besting a man like me! I won’t let a worthless blackguard like you be the one to take me down.”
“On that score,” Jonathan drawled. “I fear I won’t be able to take the credit.” He motioned to someone behind Robert.
“What—?” The arm that held the knife was suddenly wrenched behind him, and the blade clattered to the floor.
The magistrate quickly rushed forward and secured Mr. Linneman, ignoring Robert’s shouts of protest as he was dragged away.
Now that the excitement was over, the assembled began to disperse.
Edward adjusted the cuffs of his jacket as he walked forward. “That was rather invigorating, if I do say so myself. I was growing rather weary of his blustering.”
Jonathan clapped his brother on the back. “Well done, Viscount Rundell.”
“Did someone say, Viscount?” Agnes and Lilah rushed forward and curtsied rather demurely to Edward. Jonathan grinned as he left them to fawn over his brother while he went in search of another lady who had abruptly disappeared.
***
AS THE ORCHESTRA STRUCKup a lively country reel, the floor was soon filled with several ladies and gentleman. Fanny managed to break free of the crowd and rushed into her father’s arms. She felt tears prick the backs of her eyelids. “Oh, Papa. Thank God you’re safe! What happened tonight?”
He lowered his voice. “A true miracle, that’s what.” He shook his head. “We walked right into a trap. If it wasn’t for Lord Marwood and Lord Castleford and his brother, we would have surely gone to the gaol.”
Fanny was completely at sea. “But how did they know what was going on? How did Jonathan find out?”
Her father’s eyes shifted to a point beyond her shoulder. “I think I’ll let him explain that.”
Jonathan stepped up beside Fanny, and she wanted nothing more than to throw her arms around him.
Lord Castleford held his hand out to her father, who accepted the offering.
“I’m indebted to you, my lord. If it wasn’t for you—” He swallowed. “When I’m wrong, I say I’m wrong. Rest assured, my smuggling days are far behind me. I’m a respectable fisherman from now on.”
“I’m relieved to hear it,” Jonathan replied. “I should hate for my future father-in-law to spend his life behind bars, or worse, face the gallows.” With that, he turned to Fanny. He reached up and ran the backs of his knuckles gently down her cheek. “How about we find someplace a little more quiet?”
She nodded rather numbly. She had so many questions, like why he’d referred to her father as if they were nearly family. As far as she recalled, he hadn’t yet asked for her hand, nor had she accepted.
Fanny felt her heart lodge in her throat as Jonathan led her into the sitting room where they had parted so horribly. She hoped it wasn’t a precursor of what was to come.
He shut the door, and the mechanism clicked as he locked them inside. That mesmerizing gaze held hers as he strode forward.
“What are you doing?” she asked softly, although it was all she could do not to close the space between them and throw herself into his arms.
He lifted a dark brow. “I thought you wanted to talk?”
“Well, yes, I did, but—” She broke off before she started rambling. “Was it necessary to lock the door?”
“As to that—” He stopped in front of her. “We have unfinished business.”
Her heart began to pound in anticipation. “We do?”
He nodded. “Indeed, Miss Grouseman.” He reached out and slowly plucked the pins from her hair, watching as the dark curls fell past her shoulders.
Fanny started to breathe heavily. “I thought you were going to tell me...what happened tonight.”
“What do you want to know?” he murmured, reaching forward to lick a trail of fire across her exposed collarbone.
